Portable shaper



Nov. 14, 1933. RE QUA 1,935,484

PORTABLE SHAPER Filed Oct. 3, 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR:

FREDERICK L. REQUA AT TORN EY NOV. 14, 1933. r RE QUA 1,935,484

PORTABLE SHAPER Filed Oct. 5. 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 a 6 l7 l9 INVENTOR: X FREDERICK L. REQUA ATTORNEY Nov. 14, 1933. 1 RE QUA I 1,935,484

PORTABLE SHAPER Fild Oct. 5. 1950 s Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR:

FREDERICK L. RE QUA AT TORNEY Patented Nov. 14, 1933.

. PORTABLE SHAPER Frederick L. Re Qua, San'Francisco, Calif., as-

signor to Steel-Weld Equipment Corporation,

San Francisco, "Calif fornia a corporation of Cali- Application'bctob'er 3,]1930. satin No. 486,131

' 12 Claims. (01. 90-38 This invention relates' to improvements in portable shaper s and more particularly to hand operated portable tools for chamfering railway rail ends.

The rollingandpounding-action of rolling stock in passing along the tops ofrailway rails tends to elongate the tread portion. This causesa burr to curl over the ends of the rails at each joint.

When the rails expand under sun temperature theends abut one another. Asthe rolling stock approaches the end of one rail, that end is depressed below the level of the end of the next rail. If the opposing burrs overlap, one or both of 1 them rise and fall 0 are eventually; dislodged by the fthe rails under the weight of The elongation of the rail tread tends to harden it and "causes it to stratify longitudinally and become flaky. Whenthese burrs are dislodged, as

stated, they pry upaportionof the contiguous tread and remove the top or tread portion contiguous to the rail end. The succeeding passages of the rolling stock cause the wheel tires to pound into these depressions, causing a traction crystallizes the wave to form in the rail tread which eventually whole endof the raiL cauSing it to check andfracture, rendering. it unsafe or impractical for trafiic.

This condition is overcome by transversely chamfering the adjacent rail endsto form a notch in the continuity in the'rail tread surface, thus removing in advance the portions of the rail ends that wouldeventuallyiorm the substance-of the said burrs.

' It is among provide simple and efficient means for chamfer" ing rail ends in the objects of this invention to railways.

. Another object is to provide means for varying the .chamfer wi V rail tread.

Another object istoeliminate from the struc ture slide; ways th respect to the contour of the and other mechanisms requiring precision in machine work, and that areunsuitedto the working conditions and relatively 1111-.

skilled handling incidental to track work. 7

In'this specification and the accompanying drawings the invention is disclosedin its preferred form. But it is to he understoodthat it ings:

Fig.1 is ad iagrammatic side elevation'of a 'tomarily rolled. V,

V radius,

manually operatedshaper constructed in accordance with this invention. p

Fig. 2 is a plan view from above of the same.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged side elevation of the shaper head assembly.- j

Figs. 4to 10 are schematic diagrams illustrat ing the'application of modified leverage'actions to accomplish the 'chamfering or cutting operations from rectilinear to modified contours (see dotted lines) in meetingworking conditions within the purview of this invention in the practice of the same; 1

Fig. 11 is a sideelevation of a rail end notched in accordance with this invention. -1 1 In Fig. 4 the levers AB and DE are shown of equal length and pivotally connected to the tool member B-D. The points A and 'E are pivotally connected to the frame of the machine, the distance AE being made equal to H /BD +(2AB) I Under these conditionsif the cutting point of thetool is at the center of the'member and in the line B D, the toolpoint will traverse sub- Y stantially a straight line P--Q as the lever D--E S0 is oscillated thru a small angle 9. e For example,

if the levers AB and D'E are each made 4 inches long andthe member BD is made 12 inches long, the point of the tool will not depart more than .002 inch from a. straight line during astroke of 3 inches, corresponding to ,In Fig.5 theconstruction is the same as in Fig. 4 except that the cutting point of the tool, whilestill in theline B-D, is no longer at the .90 center thereof but instead is nearer to the point B. Under theseconditions the trace of the stroke, P--C-Q, will conform substantially to the are of acircle. For example, if all the dimensions are taken thevsame as in Fig. 4 except that the. distance-B-C is 4.4 inches instead of 6 inches, the curve P-C--Q will follow thearc of a circleof 1'4 inches radius, corresponding to the radius to which the tread of the rail is cus- In Fig; 6 the construction is the same as in Fig. 4 except that the arm DE is made longer than thearm AB. .Under these conditions the trace of the stroke P'C- Q will be part of the arc of a circle. For example, if allthe dimen 1 05 sion's are taken the same as in Fig. 1 except that the distance AB is made? 3 inches and the'distance DE, 4 inches, the curve P-C-Q will again follow the arc of a circle of 14 inches The construction of Fig. 6 is similar to that of Fig. 5 except that the pdsitio'n of the frame pivot -stroke will be tilted, when A is inch to the left of A, at an angle of approximately 5, corresponding to a rail tread worn down inch on one side. 1

In Fig. '7 one means of raising and lowering the tool is illustrated. Here the member BD is formed with a cross-head permitting it to be adjusted from the position'.BD to the position BD'by means of a screw. The trace of the tool stroke is thus adjustable between the limits of P-CQ and P'CQ'.

The construction in Fig. 8 is similar toxtha't shown in the preceding figures but'with'the addition of a tool carrying member C-F. This construction assures that the angle of the tool with respect to the'trace of the stroke will remain substantially constant. The same result will be attained by making the member B-D in Fig. 8 suiiiciently long but in general'neither method will be required except for the most ex" acting purposes, since the totalchangein tool angle with the construction and dimensions of Fig. 5 will not exceed about 8. 7 In the construction shown in Fig. 10 the same result is achieved as in Fig. 9. Here the points C and C tracestrokes of the shape desired and are connected, thru a link CC'C"'. The

point C in the member CC" will thus trace a.

ner ends are bolted to the side plates 3-3 which are properly trussed together'by the transverse shouldered bolts 4-4 and 5 to form a rigid head. Theseside plates 33 are preferably of cast steel andhave the lugs 6 formed thereon and adapted to engage the outer edge of the head of the rail X.

The T shaped clamp has the shaft 7 pivoted in the stirrups 88, fixed to the underside of the bars 1l. The arms 99 are fixed to opposite ends of the shaft? and are adapted to engage under the head of the rail X. The shaft '7 may be made of sufficient length so that the members 99 clamp the rail outside of the space occupied by the angle bars. The treadle arms 10 10 are-fixed to the shaft on opposite sides of the bars 11 and extend above the level of the same, where they are joined by the transverse treadle 11. The treadle clamp assembly is very easily formed into an integral unit by welding the various parts together. When the treadle 11 is depressed by the foot of the operator, standing. on the platform 12, theclamps 9 rise beneath the head of therail and clamp it between the clamps 9-9 and the ends of the bars 1-1. This holds the operating head 3-3 rigidly in position on the rail, vertically, laterally, and horizontally-through the bars 1-1, so long as the treadle 1-1 is depressed.

The cutter bar 13 is preferably yoke shaped for lateral stability. It is actuated from the rear by the handle 14, transversely fulcrumed on the bolt 15 extending between the side plates 3-8, and terminating in the hand; grip 14: above the level of the treadle 11. The lower end 16 of the handle is pivoted at 17' to the rear end of the cutter bar. The front end of this bar is pivoted at 18 to the link 19, which in turn is pivoted at 20 to the bell cr'ank lever 21, fulcrumed on the transverse bolt 5, see Fig. 3. The cutter bar thus floats on two links 16-49 between the pivots 15'l-7-:-I 8 20.

The front end of the cutter bar is vertically adjustable by locating the pivot 18 in the cross head 22, slidable in the guides 23, formed on the This cross head has 'Ihefcuttin'g tool 27 is fixed in the cutter bar 7 The cross head feed 2225 determines the depth of the cut made by the tool 27 by raising and lowering the bar 13. If the rail ends'are properly alined, the opposing top corners maybe cut away simultaneously, as in Fig. 11, by grinding the cutting nose of the tool 2'? to engage both edges. can be charnfered separately. 7

It has been the practiceheretofore to notch these rail ends perpendicularly to their tread planes with a square notch, or with a plane oblique to the tread plane forming a V shape notch at each joint. These angular forms are objectionable since the angles of incidence of the notch with the plane of the rail treads, whether obtuse or acute, center the impact of the wheels on these angles, which, being points, concentrate the crushing stress at the tread portion and tend to disrupt or flake the same, as previously described. Therefore, I recommend the rounded or curvedchamfer shown in Fig. 11, in which the impactis absorbed on an arc and distributed throughout a greater area of the rail end, with obviously improved results, asset forth in my copending application for patent of even date, entitled Railway rail joints.

It has also been the practice heretofore to form such square or oblique notches with a manually controlled tool such as a hand grinder. The operator in such cases forms a notch of substantially uniform depth, conforming to the curvature of the rail tread. However, so far as I am aware, no tool for this purpose has been developed up to thistime for mechanically guiding the traverse of the tool in a curved line.

If they are not'so alined each rail end Such machines as have been proposed have been the platform is engaged by the the center of the tread than would otherwise be necessary. Y 7 i It is also obviousthat the tool point or cutter 27 may be replaced by a milling cutter or abra-' sive wheel without deviating from the spirit of this invention; 7 a I Further, all machines heretofore proposed for rail notching have been provided with either a screw type clamp or with-a clamp requiring springs or their equivalent for release. This is a serious disadvantage when a train approaches since in fog or where vision is obstructed, as in the neighborhood of curves in cuts the train may approach dangerously near the operator before he is aware ofv his danger. If he is required to perform any mechanical act, no matter how simple, before he can release the tool from the rail the danger is greatly increased and particularly in emergency he may leave the apparatus on the track, thus endangering the approaching train as well. I have, therefore, provided a clamp on my machine which is so constructed that when the operator lifts the tool from the track the clamp is thereby automatically freed without possibility of catching or sticking. Although the construction employed is simple in the extreme and may seem almost self evident, its value to tools of thisclass is out of all proportion to this simplicity and greatly enhances the value of the tool for railway use. g

A conventional motor grinding wheel may be substituted for the cutting tool 27.

The operator clamps the machine to the rail end to be chamfered, with the clamps 9-9 at opposite ends of the joint plates Z of the track, so that the cutter 2'7 engages one or both contiguous rail ends X-X". The operator then stands on 12, his weight adding stability to the machine. With one foot on the clamp treadle i 11, he then reciprocates the handle 14 and adjusts the bell crank 21, and screws down the handle 26 to feed the cutter downward to cut the adjusted contour of chamfer. When the operation is completed, the operator grasps the treadle 11 and liftsthe machine free .of the track.

The cutter 2 may be automatically fed downward by means of the ratchet 28, encircling and fixed concentrically to the nut 25. \This ratchet nut 25, and operated by the push rod 30, the end of which is pivoted on any convenient part of the stationary head 3-3 as at 31. This feed is similar to that common on drill presses.

It is manifest that a prime mover may be geared to the operating handle 14 or otherwise connected to reciprocate the cutter bar '13, without departing from the spirit of this'invention.

I Having thus described this inventionwhat I- claim and desire to secure'by Letters Patent is:

1. A shaper comprising a frame, a cutter bar, a link extending downward from one end of said cutter bar to said frame, a second link extending upward from the other end of said cutter '1 bar to said frame, and means for swinging said cutter bar on said links.

2. A shaper for slotting rails comprising a frame, means for securing said frame to the rail to be slotted, a cutter bar, a link extending downward from one end of said cutter bar to said frame, a second link extending upward from the other end of said cutter bar to said frame, and means for swinging said cutter bar on said links.

3. A shaper for slotting rails comprising a frame, means for securing said frame to the rail pawl 29 pivoted axially on the,

tribe slotted, a cutter bar, a link extending downward'from one end ofsaid cutter bar to said frame, a second link extending upward from the other end of said cutter bar to said frame, and

.means connected to said second link for reciproto be slotted, a cutter bar, a link extending downwardfrom one'end of said cutter barjto said frame, a second link extending upward from the other end of said cutter bar to said frame,

means for varying the point of connection of one of said links with respect to said frame,

and means for swinging said cutter bar on said links.

to be slotted, a cutter bar, a link extending downward from one end of said cutter bar to said frame, a second link. extending upwardfrom the other end of said cutter bar to said frame, independent means for varying the points of connection of one of said links with said cutter bar and said frame, and means for swinging said cutter bar on said links.

6. A shaper for slotting rails comprising a frame, means for securing said frame to the rail to be slotted including a clamp arm pivotally supported beneath said frame and adapted to engage the under side of the ball of said rail, and means connected to said arm for applying pressure thereto, a cutter bar, a link extending downward from one end of said cutter bar to said rame, a second link extending upward from the other end of said cutter bar to said frame, and means for swinging said cutter bar on said links. Y 7. A shaper for slotting rails comprising a frame, means for securing said frame to the rail to be slotted, a cutter bar, a link extending downward from one end of said cutter bar, a bell crank connecting said link and said frame for varying the path of travel of said cutter bar, a second link extending upward from the other end of said cutter bar to said frame, and means for swinging said cutter bar on said links.

8. A shaper for slotting rails. comprising a frame, means for securing said frame to therail to be slotted, a cutter bar, means for varying the vertical adjustment of said cutter bar, a link extending downward from one end of said cutter bar to said frame, a second link extending upward from the other end of said cutter bar to said frame, and means for swinging .said cutter bar on said links.

9. A shaper for slotting rails comprising a frame, means for securing said frame to the rail to be slotted, a cutter bar, a linkextending downward from one end of said cutter bar and pivotally connecting said cutter bar and said frame, a second link'extending upward from the other end of said cutter bar to said frame, and

end of said cutter bar to said frame and pivotally connecting said cutter bar and said frame, and means for swinging said cutter bar on said links.

7 11. A shaper for slotting rails comprising a frame, means for securing said frame to the rail to be slotted, a cutter bar, a link extending down- M 5. A shaper for slotting rails comprising a frame, means for securing said frame to the rail of the rail to be slotted and an arm extending below the level of the top of said rail, a cutter bar, a link pivotally connecting one end of said cutter bar with said arm, a second link extending upward from the other end of said'cutter bar to said frame, and operating means connected to said second link forreciprocating said cutter bar.

FREDERICKVL. RE QUA. 

